Shooting Snakes

Some people hate snakes, I can understand somewhat if they have been bitten in the past, often it is just unfounded fear. Snakes have a useful purpose. If I shot a rat snake in my Uncle's barn there would have been hell to pay, not for the snake but for ME. The snake hunted rats 24/7 and my Uncle did not have to feed the snake.

Rattlesnakes and copperheads in the barn were another matter; horses are more valuable than the snake. There was a bounty on poisonous snakes near the barn. I wanted the bounty, the bounty paid for a full box of 22?s.

When hiking or fishing I do not shoot snakes. Out in the wild the snake has just as much right to be there as I do. Still, I carry snake loads when I am hiking. There is always at least one or two in my revolver. Why do I do this? The answer has to do with doctors and not snakes.

If you are bitten the first question a doctor is going to ask is "what species of snake was it". Antivenin is poly-valent so why ask? Antivenin is not without risk, some reactions are serious. The doctor wants to make sure it was a venomous snake. Most folks are not up on their herpetology, and being bitten makes things other than identifying the snake important.  

The correct answer to ?what species of snake? is "here is the snake". If you hand the doctor a live snake he or she may get excited. To give the correct answer with no drama you need a dead snake, a dead snake will make everyone happy.

My sister-in-law recently demonstrated a different approach. While walking to the mail box a copperhead bit her. This is Georgia and copperheads are found everywhere, even in suburban Atlanta. To identify the snake she pulled out her cell phone and took a picture of the serpent. My brother-in-law had revenge in mind but the snake had wisely departed.

If you have a 22 LR or 22 Magnum revolver CCI makes shot loads. The 22 Magnum is slightly better than the 22 LR, a little more effective range. You need to test as results vary with different revolvers. The limited range will surprise you. My Ruger Single Six was good on snake size targets out to 6 feet with 22 Magnums. I used to carry my Single Six on outings, snakes with legs changed that.

I have never had to shoot a snake, however on three occasions snakes of the two legged persuasion have needed encouragement to behave. A holstered pistol is a powerful deterrent, but it agitates two legged socialist snakes who seem to think the great outdoors would be greater without guns. Open carry is also an invitation for an adversary to overpower you and take your gun. You cannot watch your six 24/7 so a concealed gun is more appropriate. Two legged snakes are larger, so more punch than a 22 is comforting. I have settled on a 2 or 3 inch 38 Special as good snake medicine. Two shot loads up front and then +P hollowpoints will deal with all known snakes.

Shot loads are harder to find for centerfire cartridges. The demand is low, so most stores do not carry them. Mail order is the way to get them, CCI makes 9mm Luger, 38 Special and 44 Special shot loads. The cost is steep, but you do not need many. Don?t expect a large increase in effective range, even 44?s only add a few feet.

If you cast bullets you probably have gas checks. If you don't, you can punch wads out of cardboard using a case sharpened using a deburring tool. Reloaders have been making shot cartridges for a century or more. There have been several good articles on making handgun shot shells in The Fouling Shot and the CBA forum, no need to go into that here.

Speer shot capsules let you make excellent shot loads for 38 and 44 revolvers. The problem with Speer shot capsules is they are fragile. They are designed to break on firing, releasing the shot. If not held securely, the first shot will pull the capsule on the second shot and tie up the gun. If you decide to carry a standard round in the first chamber the problem is even greater.

You must crimp the capsules, but if you crimp too much, the capsule will crack. If you crimp too little the capsule will pull on recoil and there is no way to test the rounds besides firing a round next to them!

The solution is to apply rubber cement to the capsule above the base before seating and then wipe off the excess. Allow the rubber cement to dry and then lightly crimp. The glued capsule will hold against full loads and still fire normally.

Preventing snakebite is easier than treating a bite.

In cold weather snakes hibernate, but in cool weather they seek a sunny spot to get warm. Watch where you step, most snakebites happen when people step on a snake. Be cautious when jogging on backcountry trails, if you cannot see ahead slow down. Watch where you put your hands when climbing.

Be specially careful in campgrounds or around a lean-to. Camping areas attract rodents, rodents attract snakes. Snakes are active at night in warm weather. Use a light, never walk in the dark. Go slowly, most snakes want nothing to do with you and will quickly leave if given the opportunity. This is not true of the human variety.
Steve